Imagine floating down the Rhine and Mosel rivers on a massive wooden raft. This is how the story of Weingut G. F. von Nell begins. The von Nell family, originally timber merchants since the 17th century, navigated these rivers. They transported goods and wine became a significant part of their trade.
Weingut G. F. von Nell has a rich history rooted in timber trading and wine production. In 1803, Napoleon’s conquest led to the secularization of church property. The von Nell family, with wealth from their timber business, seized the opportunity. They purchased vineyards and the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias-Eucharius. This became their new headquarters. As the timber trade became more challenging, their focus shifted to wine production.
Arthur von Nell played a key role in founding the Mosel-Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft in 1840. This company facilitated easier wine transport. By the turn of the century, Mosel wines were highly sought after. They were considered among the most expensive globally. The von Nell family was a founding member of the Verband deutscher Naturweinversteigerer. It later became the VDP, until 1989.
The Bannmühle mill in Thiergartental belonged to St. Matthias Abbey. It surrounded the well-known Thiergärtner vineyard. This is now Weingut G. F. von Nell’s monopollage. Over the years, vineyards in Bernkastel, Ayl, and Wiltingen allowed the family to produce top-quality Rieslings. These wines gained worldwide recognition.
In 1931, the family returned the abbey buildings to the Benedictine monks. This meant they lost their economic buildings. Therefore, the family relocated the winery closer to the vineyards. They moved away from the growing city of Trier.
The old mill was demolished. A new winery with fermentation and storage cellars was built in its place. Fritz Gläser designed it. Next to the mill stood a small villa owned by the Mohr family. Through marriage, it became part of the von Nell family. Sadly, a bomb destroyed it in 1945.
The estate in Thiergarten eventually became too small. It was expanded into a four-winged complex. In 1974, the cowshed was converted into a wine tavern. At Weingut G. F. von Nell, visitors could now enjoy regional food alongside wine. The wine presses were moved to a new building. This freed up space for events.
Today, Weingut G. F. von Nell combines tradition with modern winemaking techniques. The family has been making wine in Trier since 1803. With 16 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the Thiergartental. Other vineyards are in Ayler Kupp, Bernkasteler Graben, and Trierer Jesuitenwingert. The vineyards are on steep slopes facing south-southwest. The soil consists of stony slate weathering. These conditions produce racy and fruity wines.
The Weingut G. F. von Nell produces 70% Riesling, 10% Müller-Thurgau and 20% new varietals. The wines undergo individual barrel aging. This preserves the characteristics of each vintage and vineyard. You can witness the family crest. The family is actively involved in the winery. Informative tours and tastings await visitors.
The legacy of Weingut G. F. von Nell continues. It blends centuries of family history with a commitment to producing outstanding Mosel wines.